The fundraising campaign, a partnership between Southampton Rotary and G. C. Huston Public School for a new playground at the school in Southampton, received another boost toward its goal on Tuesday, December 12th (2023), its second in a week.
Darrall Wesley, owner of Tuggy’s Gas Bar & Variety store near Allenford, donated $20,000 toward the new playground in memory of his late wife, Darla. “I went to this school, my children are students here and Darla always gave to Food Banks as well, so I want to carry on the tradition in her memory.”
In addition to G. C. Huston, Wesley is also donating $5,000 to Food Banks in Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker)and Orillia Native Women’s Group, $10,000 to the Owen Sound Food Bank, and earlier donated $6,000 to Saugeen First Nation Food Bank and another $6,000 to its Toy Drive, for a total of $12,000.
“We have to help each other,” said Wesley. “My wife passed away just before our business opened but I know she would want to be here and do this for the children.”
“We Rotarians are absolutely amazed at how the community has come together for this campaign,” said Southampton Rotarian and past-District Governor, Tony Sheard. “When we began, it was expected that it would take almost two years to raise the funds. Here we are three months into the campaign and the goal is now already in sight. Absolutely amazing!”
